Winter is right around the corner, and The Woodlands is celebrating with a variety of seasonal events. From dazzling light displays to festive live music performances to swan boat rides down The Waterway, surround yourself with holiday cheer this year in The Woodlands.
Winter Highlights
Market Street in Lights
MID-NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER 31
Witness Market Street in Lights come to life during the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Central Park. With the flip of a switch, thousands of lights illuminate this popular shopping and dining center, greeting guests with a three-minute light show synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes. This magical display performs hourly from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on each day of the season.
Lighting of The Doves
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2026
The Lighting of the Doves is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands. Symbolizing peace and good cheer, the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves along The Waterway is the perfect way to make the most of your holiday season. This family-friendly festival includes strolling entertainment, live music on two stages, snow slides, and crafts with The Woodlands Children's Museum.
Holiday on The Waterway
NOVEMBER 21, 2026 TO JANUARY 3, 2027
Embrace the chill in the air and watch as millions of lights set the town aglow during Holiday on The Waterway. Between mid-November and early January, this enchanting display features larger-than-life snowflakes, ornaments, gift boxes, and light tunnels—the perfect backdrop for your next Christmas card! Enjoy a casual stroll along the sidewalk, hop on a complimentary Town Center Trolley, or rent a swan boat to take in the view from the water.
Christmas at The Mall
MID-NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER 31
Witness holiday magic during your next trip to The Woodlands Mall! Stop by The Courtyard to see a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree come to life with synchronized light and music shows. This whimsical decoration performs every 30 minutes from sunset until the mall closes.
The Woodlands Ice Rink
NOVEMBER 20, 2026 TO JANUARY 18, 2027
When you glide across the ice surrounded by colorful lights and cheerful holiday music, you awaken a sense of childlike wonder. The Woodlands Ice Rink is open seasonally between mid-November and mid-January, offering the perfect venue for birthdays, date nights, disco dance parties, and sensory-friendly gatherings. Guests can enjoy a two-hour session for just $15 or book a qualifying hotel stay and earn complimentary ice rink tickets.
Holiday Fireworks
DECEMBER 4-18, 2026
New this year, kick off the holiday season with live music and fireworks! As a sister event to Lighting of the Doves, this explosive event will take place in Waterway Square on Friday December 4, 11, and 18.
Insider Tips
- HOT, HOT CHOCOLATE: Stroll Holiday on The Waterway with a hot beverage from a local vendor (onsite on Saturday evenings) or a warm cookie from the nearby Dessert Gallery.
- DECK THE HALLS: Create a scavenger hunt to find all the Christmas Trees and Holiday Lights around town.
- HOLLY TROLLEY CHRISTMAS: Climb aboard a Town Center Trolley for a free ride through dazzling holiday lights and other local hot spots like Market Street and Hughes Landing.
- DATE NIGHT DINING: Elevate your date night with a romantic dinner on the waterfront, starting with Truluck’s fresh-caught crab and Sorriso’s masterfully curated wine collection.
- ON CLOUD NINE: Reset your mind and body with a wellness retreat in The Woodlands, starting with a rejuvenating massage at a luxury spa or pickleball at The Woodlands Resort.
- COZY CAFÉS: Curl up with a hot coffee and a good book at a local café in The Woodlands. Paris Baguette is a popular spot, but don’t miss out on hidden gems like Third Gen and Conduit Coffee.
